Christian leaders such as Dr. John MacArthur have made statements about the passing of Oral Roberts. You can read MacArthur’s statement by clicking here. Here is a little portion of MacArthur’s statement regarding Oral Roberts and his legacy:

Tragically, the Seed-Faith message usurped and utterly replaced whatever gospel content there ever may have been in Oral Roberts’ preaching. In all the many times I saw him on television I never once heard him preach the gospel. His message–every time–was about Seed-Faith. The reason for that is obvious: the message of the cross–an atoning sacrifice for sins wrought through Jesus’ sufferings–frankly doesn’t mesh very well with the notion that God guarantees health, wealth, and prosperity to the righteous. Our fellowship in Jesus’ sufferings (Philippians 3:10), and our duty to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:20-23), are likewise antithetical to the core principles of prosperity doctrine. The prosperity message is a different gospel (cf. Galatians 1:8-9).

The answer to all those questions is an unambiguous no. Oral Roberts’ influence is not something Bible-believing Christians should celebrate. Virtually every abberant idea the Pentecostal and charismatic movements spawned after 1950 can be traced in one way or another to Oral Roberts’ influence. (What the CT blog fails to mention is that Kenneth Hagin and Oral Roberts often ministered together and affirmed one another’s ministries. Furthermore, the heir to Hagin’s standing as chief of the word-faith preachers is Kenneth Copeland, who went into television ministry after working as chauffeur and pilot to Oral Roberts. So even though it would not be quite accurate to portray Oral Roberts as an aggressive proponent of word-faith doctrines, he acted as more of an ally than an opponent to the movement. We might say his relationship with that movement was reminiscent of a benign grandfather who refused to correct an out-of-control grandchild.)

One thing all the obituaries agree on is that Oral Roberts paved the way for all the charismatic televangelists and faith-healers who dominate religious television today. He did more than anyone in the early Pentecostal movement to influence mainstream evangelicalism. He parlayed his television ministry into a vast empire that has left a deep mark on the church worldwide. In many places today, including some of the world’s most illiterate and poverty-stricken regions, Oral Roberts’ Seed-Faith concept is actually better known than the doctrine of justification by faith. The message of prosperity is now the message multitudes think of when they hear the word “gospel.” Countless confused people worldwide think of the gospel as a message about earthly, temporal, and material riches rather than the infinitely greater blessings of forgiveness from sin and the eternal blessing of the believer’s spiritual union with Christ.

All of those are reasons to lament rather than celebrate Oral Roberts’ fame and influence. My prayer is that future generations will see the folly of those doctrines, renounce and turn away from them, and cling tightly to the sure word of God and the glorious, eternal promises of the true gospel.

MacArthur evaluated the toll Oral Roberts’ influence had on the gospel worldwide, and it wasn’t a pretty one. Looking at it from that perspective, we can only conclude that Oral Roberts taught another gospel and is thereby accursed (Galatians 1:8-9). The Reverend Billy Graham, on the other hand, did no such thing. This is the statement he made:

Oral Roberts was a man of God and a great friend in ministry. I loved him as a brother. We had many quiet conversations over the years. I invited Oral to speak at one of our early international conferences on evangelism held in Berlin in the 1960s. … Just three weeks ago, I was privileged to talk to Oral over the telephone. During the short conversation, he said to me that he was near the end of his life’s journey. I look forward to the day that I will see Oral and Evelyn Roberts again in heaven–our eternal home. (Online Source)

We expect Biblical leaders to be, well, Biblical. Graham’s refusal to examine Roberts in the light of Scripture goes to further show that Mr. Graham doesn’t exercise Biblical discernment, and that the gospel is being held in low esteem by himself and his ministry, whether it’s done knowingly or not. Many of the discerning already know this because of his ecumenism, and his embrace of people like Robert Schuller. Still, there are many who regard Billy Graham as a powerful messenger of the gospel. But, the message of the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, which Roberts perverted for years. To gauge a teacher’s level of discernment and love of truth, weigh the words they speak and consider their treatment of the gospel. MacArthur examined Roberts based upon his treatment of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Billy Graham doesn’t. Juxtapose their statements and compare.

42 Responses to Billy Graham’s Statement About the Passing of Oral Roberts

I don’t believe in casting stones at God’s anointed. Let the perfect preacher, the one who has never made a mistake, never uttered a wrong word, never sinned please step forward. No one can do this. Yes, Oral Roberts preached seed faith…Jesus preached seed faith. This was Oral’s revelation. But he most certainly preached the Cross, preached the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection! Countless souls accepted Christ as savior under his ministry….countless were healed of all manner of disease. He was a man of God…not infallible…but definely called of God. To say that he or Billy Graham didn’t preach the salvation of the Bible is crazy…it simply isn’t true. We are to beware of the self righteous…the ones who believe everyone else is wrong except themselves. To be a Christian is to love, not to criticize or judge. God is the judge…people need to stop trying to do his job!

WOW!
If perfection is the measure to be obtained before we confront those in error- and there is no question that Mr Roberts was in error on a great many things (go find some of his telecasts and simply listen)- then we are truly not contending for the faith.
Seems the Pharisees got their undies in a bunch when Jesus confronted them. I wonder if there were those in the crowd who murmured amongst themselves about Jesus having the gall to “cast stones at God’s annointed” since for all the issues the Pharisees had they were considered at least to be “men of God”.

I have heard others who come from Pentecostal leanings use the same language- “casting stones at God’s anonited” or “questioning a prophet”. It appears another legacy of the Pentecostal movement will be the teachings that it is never ok to call into question anyone who claims God’s announting. How convenient!
God’s desire is for His true children to have love for one another and for this to be so obvious to pagans that they marvel at this fact. But I guess love must be defined more properly for some people because true love cast out fear and true love rejoices in the truth and true love is Christ and His completed work on the cross, which is not only foolishness to those that are perishing but it is a stumbling block and an offense to those whom Christ has not first made alive!
Please, please go back and read your Bible. Look specifically at Jesus and His interactions with people. You may need to revise your thinking.

Reply to Chrystal:
When the religious leaders of His day questioned Jesus’ anointing, He told them to judge Him by His works…did He do good works or not?? If we are to judge a tree by its fruit, then I see lots of good fruit on Oral Roberts’ tree.. One can’t erase the good the man did. As I said before, he wasn’t perfect…his perfection was in Christ…each Christians’ perfection is in Christ because we certainly all fall short. And the Bible also states the gifts and calling of God are without repentence….God doesn’t remove or take them back just because a minister might mess up in some area in his life. Oral took all criticism against himself by turning the other cheek…never once was he critical in return. Yes, I sensed an anointing on Oral’s ministry…Billy Graham sense this anointing….what does this make us? Children of the devil? Hard proof??? Meaning no disrespect to your question, the non-believers want hard proof that God exit…we can’t satisfy them by telling them it’s all there…and I can’t satisfy you by telling you Oral was anointed of God! The proof will present itself before the Throne of God.

Never mind the meaningless dribble that comes out of the mouth of the “anointed”, they have a huge following so they have to be men of God????? Give me a break.

After seeing videos of Billy Graham on several occasions deny Jesus is the only way to God, I hold him to the same level as the swindling “I have to raise $8 million or God will kill me” Roberts.

Just because someone names the name of Jesus does not make them a Christian. It makes me wonder about the people that defend these heretics.

The “anointed” or “God’s anointed” are some terms am really getting sick of hearing. If people weren’t so Biblically illiterate or maybe actually saved, they might see these men for what they truly are.

Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name saying, I am the Christ, and will deceive many. Matt. 24:4-5 Notice that He did not say that they would claim to be the Christ but that they would say that Jesus is the Christ and use Him and His words to lead others astray. (False doctrine) Roberts and Graham are enemy’s of the cross, you want fruit look at there disciples. Turn on TBN almost all of them have been influenced by the leaven of Roberts teachings. Graham at his crusades after people gave there heart to the Lord would encourage people back to there home churches if it was Catholic or what ever, I guess its OK if you believe once saved always saved, you can go back to what ever you want.

But regardless of the “good” things they did, when their prophecies and teachings are examined in light of God’s written word, they were found to be false prophets and false teachers.

Your above post wreaks of Matthew 15:7-9 and Titus 1:16, and is typical of the “Let’s look at the good” that Charismatics have come to be known for. Therefore, I encourage you to get off the “good” bandwagon, and do not allow the “good” Oral Roberts did to overshadow his false prophecies and false teachings.

Then, think about which is worst: an enemy of the cross or one who promotes the enemy?

Oral Roberts was an enemy of the cross (Philippians 3:18-19). He promoted and fellowshipped with enemies of the cross (Matthew 15:14). And if you need proof, I and others will be glad to provide it.

Okay, Shane, you seem to have a problem with Pentecostals, and I’m not going to argue denomination with anyone…I think all who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and do their very best to follow His teachings, are Christians. The term casting stones is used in the Bible…I didn’t use it as a Pentecostal term. And I never said perfection had to be obtained before we confront those in error…because then it would be impossible to try to correct anyone. The dominations argue so much among themselves that witnessing for Christ bites the dust…the world (and the devil) aren’t listening to us…we like to prove we’re right no matter who gets hurt in the process. Our different doctrines aren’t the enemy, because we could believe differently yet be united at The Cross. If Christ is the center of our lives…and He should be…it shouldn’t bother me that the Baptist believe once saved always saved (some call this error) or the Pentecostals believe in speaking in tongues (also called error) And, just for the record, I wasn’t a close follower of Oral Roberts, so I’ve never heard him preach these so called errors, but I did watch Billy Graham a lot and I have never heard him say Jesus wasn’t the only way to Heaven. On the contrary, I’ve heard him say multiple times that Jesus WAS the only way!! So how are you going to prove to me otherwise? I’m willing to listen if you have such proof. As for as for calling Oral Roberts a swindler because he believed God would kill him if he didn’t raise 8 million dollars, the story I heard was he was in such stress, over not having enough funds to run his facility, that he believed the stress would actually kill him…that God would take him Home. We don’t see into other men’s hearts…we can’t judge a book by its cover. We can’t say this man or that woman is not a Christian unless we witness something so profound that it leaves no doubt in our minds. And what is the problem you have with the word “anointed?” God, Himself, uses this word. Jesus said He was anointed to preach the Gospel….God never changes…He still anoints. If you were ever under His anointing power, you would know it! If you are questioning my salvation. because you think I’m defending a heretic…go ahead. I just reacted because I don’t like a self righteous attitude. John MacArthur is an anointed man of God…I’ve listened to him, read several of his books, and respect him…but I just don’t agree with his opinion concerning Roberts and Graham…it just sounds too self righteous. And, to me, it was a bad time to offer an opinion when the minister has just died.
Can you understand this? Can you consider the feelings of his children, grandchildren, his family in general? Where are the words empathy or sympathy in all of this? I know my Bible, Shane…I even attended Bible College…but the important thing is to love, to forgive, to hold ministers up in prayer…the devil attacks them, tempts them, more than any others., The Pharisees were heartless, power hungry,
with hearts closed to God, so I wouldn’t call them “men of God.” I can’t see comparing Roberts or Graham to the Pharisees. Sorry, I’m not wanting to fight with you but I must disagree.. God bless.

I am amazed by those who are caught up in this WOF movement, the phrase, ‘anointed by God’ is so very popular within the realm of this brand of ‘religion’. This is just another way of taking God’s word out of context. All who are saved by His grace because of Christ’s finished work on the cross are sealed by God’s Spirit. There is no special ‘anointing’ poured out by God on anyone, some may be filled with the Spirit while others may quench the Spirit, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t ‘anointed’, so to speak. Being Spirit-filled is being under total submission to the will of the Father, not living your life your way, but His. This doesn’t mean some are more ‘anointed’ than others, discipline and maturity come as we grow in Christ.
I worked with a gentleman who was caught up in this WOF movement, he would talk about the Lord and then claim to ‘feel the anointing!’ What he was doing was basing his beliefs on an ‘experience’. BUT, the Bible clearly states we worship God in Spirit and in truth, NOT emotions and/or experiences.
As for Roberts being a ‘man of God’, this just isn’t so. His teachings conflict with what the Bible actually says. No where does God promise us health, wealth, good living, fine dining, comfort, and ease. That is NOT the true Gospel; Christ tells us to ‘count the cost’, why? Because it will cost you EVERYTHING to follow Him {Luke 14:33}. The world is opposed to true Christianity, to a Gospel that calls for you to leave your sins and come under the authority of Christ as Lord. Pride itself keeps most from ever accepting this message, it’s too offensive. All one has to do is look at the lives of the apostles, they were jailed, beaten, martyred. Where was their ‘comforts’, if that is what some say the Bible teaches? Why should we expect to have it better than our Lord, who was beaten, mocked, spat upon, and crucified?

If wealth were what we should seek and desire, then why did Christ say, ‘How hard is it for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!’? {Luke 18:24} Also, where does the Bible teach that if you don’t raise a certain amount of money, God will strike you down?
Ponder on this Doris Jacobs Covington, ‘seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness’. If you are ‘in it’ for self-seeking riches, comfort, ease, then you are not ‘in Christ’. You desire to please and serve self, which is directly opposite what the Bible actually teaches. You have been hoodwinked by Robert’s false gospel. Be a good berean Doris and search the Scriptures diligently, crying out to God for His wisdom and truth…your soul is at stake. May the Lord be merciful to you this very hour.

Why does God send these wolves? To test His people, to see if they truly love Christ with their whole hearts, not desiring the temporal comforts of this life, but instead emptying self of ‘self’ and serving Christ, no matter what our circumstances may be. Our contentment is not found in outward situations, but in Christ alone. Those who follow these wolves prove what they truly seek and desire; the here and now, the temporal rather than the eternal. Since they desire temporary comforts, they come under God’s judgment in that they believe and defend wolves like Oral Roberts.

Chrystal, I know that you like John MacArthur-just last night I listened to a short sermon of his entitled, “Do you think judging someone else’s theology is a loving thing to do?” I don’t see it on his site yet, or possibly it’s an older presentation, but MacArthur describes pressure brought to bear against his ministry by some of the radio stations/media which carry his broadcast…to lay off talking about the Pentecostals. To be a good Christian and play nice with ministries rife with heresy. If you haven’t heard it yet, you can imagine John’s answer.

@Doris ” but I did watch Billy Graham a lot and I have never heard him say Jesus wasn’t the only way to Heaven. On the contrary, I’ve heard him say multiple times that Jesus WAS the only way!! So how are you going to prove to me otherwise?”

Billy Graham denies Jesus. Notice he says “whether they are conscious of it or not”. there are several more videos of it as well.

I don’t have a problem with pentecostals themselves. I was in that movement for a long time. I do have a problem with how most of them interpret the Bible by their experiences and not interpret their experiences by the Bible. There are a lot of problems in that movement just as there are a lot of problems with the non pent/charismatic movement. I also have a problem with “spiritualizing scripture” which is what most of the Pent/Charismatic’s do. At least the ones I have always been around, and how they wrench scripture out of context to fit their doctrine.

Generally when people in the Pent/Charismatic movement use the word “anointed” they use it in the sense of some type of “power” that is un-Biblical. Such as Benny Hinn’s “anointing”.

It is funny how the term “self righteous” always gets tossed out by those who are trying to defend a heretic. Look, John MacArthur defends the Bible and what is says. Call that what you want but that is all he does. He never promotes himself or even his ministry. The few times I have heard him say anything about GTY or GCC he has done so with all humility and glory given to God.

Try the tired old “self righteous” argument if you want but you are only looking foolish.

Examine Oral or Billy Graham for what they said and taught. When you do, you will see many “mistakes” and, in Roberts’ case mostly but Graham’s a few times, out and out heresy. I’m sorry this causes some people’s toes to get mashed but so be it. Truth is truth and untruth is untruth…

Get your eyes off the personality and get them on the scripture. Peace.

Okay, people, y’all have got me thinking! I’ve read things I’d never heard of Chrystal, thank you for sending me that link. I never dreamed Billy Graham said such things! Yes, I do believe God is merciful, but I don’t believe anyone will enter Heaven without going through Christ…the Bible is very plain on this. It cost God too much, Jesus paid too great a price, for it to be any other way..Bud, I’m willing to see the proof you offered, too. Please enlighten me….prove to me that Oral Roberts made false prophecies or that his teachings were opposed to the Gospel. I’ll admit that I only choose to see the good in people and sometimes look past their faults…I’ve got a very loving spirit….but I don’t want to buy into deceit either. And I need to know, do any of you believe that all Pentecostal ministers are wrong or that all Baptist ministers are wrong? I don’t have to ask about the Catholics because I know what they are taught is not Biblical. Which of the denominations do you feel teach the truth? I mean, do you believe that all people who are in Pentecostal or Baptist (or whatever) churches are lost? And I do want to say here that I’m not into this prosperity gospel….I do believe God provides my needs (not my wants) and I do believe He’s the Healer, not any minister. And, Lyn, I believe in the Gospel of Grace (saved by Grace alone) and I believe all Christians are anointed of God for some specific work. I realize we go by the Word of God and not by our feelings or emotions, but God gave us feelings and emotions to express joy or sorrow and I see nothing wrong with someone saying (for instance) “I feel the anointing Presence of the Lord.” Do you understand what I mean? Or if someone close to one dies (I recently lost my husband) one might say, “I feel the anointed comfort of the Lord.” God anoints all His children for different purposes…and this is not to say anyone has more anointing than another.Just like gifts…we don’t all have the same gift. I see nothing wrong or evil in using the word “anointing.” Thank you all for commenting and for listening to my views…I don’t claim to be a “know-it-all,” there’s a lot I’ve yet to learn, but I know I am a Child of God, according to His Word.! Jesus is the center of my world. Blessings to you all.

Doris you wanted proof of Mr. Graham’s false teaching. Follow the link below, please. From his own lips, unbelievers, Hindu’s, Muslim’s and those who have never heard of the name of Jesus can be a part of the Body! This is a brief conversation with yet another false teacher, Self-Esteem Gospel Guru Robert Schuller. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNCnxA91fHE
Well said, unworthy!
Here also, is the link about the piece Doug was speaking of. It is John Macarthur on “Loving Scrutiny”. Those who would say Mr. Macarthur is self-righetous and unloving must then accuse the Apostle Paul of the same thing. The false teachers were the bain of his ministry but he, like John and I pray the rest of us, would fight the Good fight of FAITH.. and examine ALL who claim to speak for God in light of the Scriptures. John Macarthur is a very bold contender for God’s truth which doesn’t make him judgmental, proud, or self-righteous. It makes him faithful! 1 Corinthians 5:12 commands us to judge those inside the church but not outside. None of us are perfect but if a teacher is preaching a false gospel and you believe it is wrong to judge them, you might want to examine whether your loyalty is to man and not to God. 2 Corinthians 13:5

Hi Doris,
I just want to touch on a few things Oral Roberts teaches…
The following doctrinal errors are part of Oral Roberts’ teaching:
He teaches that God wants all believers to be wealthy, healthy and happy.
He teaches that God gives him continuing direct revelations that direct his life, his ministry and command believers to support him.
He teaches that the Bible reveals the doctrine of “Seed Faith” which he originated, also known as the doctrine of “Giving and Receiving” whereby God will return a multiplication of money to a person who gives money in faith, believing that they will receive a monetary reward, primarily for donating to the ministry of Oral Roberts.
He teaches and embraces many and various charismatic doctrines and practices that are not Biblical, including support for the “Toronto Blessing” and its high guru and spokesman the “Holy Spirit Bartender”, Rodney Howard-Browne.
He teaches that he and other like ministers and believers can “bind the devil”.
He teaches that he has healed many people and continues to do so.
He has never presented proof that he has ever healed any individual and has never healed a visible disease. He has never caused a missing arm or leg to appear, caused a congenitally deformed individual to become whole, healed a Down’s syndrome individual or caused a quadriplegic to walk. All of his claimed healings are of the mystery type, those that cannot be seen or verified, i.e., cancer inside the body, headaches and other ailments that cannot be proven to exist. The supposed healings that occur during his crusades were paraded across the platforms, while those in the wheelchairs, the blind, the terminally ill and those with missing body parts never saw the great man perform his miracles on them.
Oral Roberts has made his claims about healing for over fifty years, and the Christian church is still gullible and without discernment regarding his failures and absolute inability to heal. He was unable to heal, even with the help of Kenneth Hagin, his grandchild when he died two days after birth.

INABILITY TO HEAL

——————————————————————————–
Oral Roberts could not heal his grandchild, even with the help of Kenneth Hagin.
“Within a few hours after his birth, doctors discovered the child was having difficulty breathing. The news, Evelyn recalled, `just tore Oral to pieces.’ For over thirty hours, while doctors fought to save the baby, Oral, Richard, and others prayed. Lindsay was wheeled up to the baby’s side to pray; Kenneth Hagin and his wife, and other ministers, came to pray for healing. When Richard Oral finally died, on January 19, it `devastated Oral.’ He called it the worst tragedy of his scarred life. `I think’ Evelyn reflected, `because he felt there was so much healing power in that room that they could have healed a thousand people … But he said there was something in that baby and he got it as far as the head and it would not leave … Some obstacle would not leave. It was stubborn.'”
Oral Roberts: An American Life, by David Edwin Harrell, Jr., Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press –read more at http://www.ondoctrine.com/10robero.htm

If you want more evidence that Roberts preached ‘another gospel’ then read the link Chrystal gave in her post linking to John MacArthur. You can also go to John’s website, http://www.gty.org and search for teachings as well as sermons concerning the prosperity gospel, speaking in tongues, healing; all the claims the Charismatics make. John uses scripture to debunk these claims.

The Gospel does not consist of God making us rich or comfortable, the Gospel means ‘good news’…Christ died on a cross to reconcile wicked, vile sinners back to a Holy God. The Bible calls for us to repent and believe in Christ’s finished work on the cross, this is the Gospel. When did Roberts ever preach this? He was more concerned with ‘sowing a seed’, which is NOT the Gospel found in the Bible. I do hope you will study God’s word and ask Him to reveal to you His truth; may He bless you with wisdom, insight, and understanding Doris.

Hi Doris
I commend you on your last post, its one of humility, its hard when we are being stretched.
We have a lot of old mind sets to over come, like we can never discern (or judge) but we constantly have to be discerning on what we are receiving from teachers, even the best can be in error at times and the Holy Spirit will give us that check, it doesn’t mean that all they say is wrong, I’m referring to those with a good track record, not the two men that have been in discussion, as you are finding out the track record can be questioned.
On Oral Roberts you wanted to read some proof of things he said that are false, just type in Oral Roberts false prophet, you’ll get all the quotes and articles of things he said, to leave you convinced that instead of a blessing to the body of Christ he has been a detriment. The point of it all is not that these men were just wolves, or false shepherds, but what is the bigger picture of men like these? What result does false doctrine have on the body of Christ? I think that is why this has been such a hot topic, some realize the danger these type of men present, and are very passionate in trying to warn, and or convince others so as not to be drawn into the hidden dangers of false doctrine etc.
Its true some of us (myself) may come across as attacking, or mean spirited, or judgmental etc, but that isn’t our heart, our love is for you or anyone else that could be hurt by these hucksters, some like myself get so impassioned that our responses perhaps could be tamed down a bit, or perhaps worded a bit differently. Again I commend you for not just writing us off, but continuing in dialog and researching these things out. Remain a Berean and you won’t go wrong. God bless.

All of this discussion has brought to light a really important point- the power of the personality. Billy Graham? Who could ever question Billy Graham? He is spiritual royalty…right?

The truth is, however, none of mankind is infallible and we can never give a pass to anyone. If John MacArthur begins teaching things that are not true, he must be called out for it (for example).

I listened to Billy Graham for years and never heard anything that I feared to be wrong. As I grew in spiritual maturity, I noticed some strange things coming from him. Especially strange were how he glorified pope John Paul II, was friends with Robert Schuler, and promoted ecumenicalism. I was deeply sorry in my soul for this as I had held BG in great esteem.

Anyway, as I have many people whom I respect today, I can never view them as ‘great men or women’ because the only thing that makes one great is their adherence to the word of God.

Discernment will rub some the wrong way but that is just how it is. I would rather offend and later help someone by sharing the truth than to pat them on the back in their error and usher them to hell…

I do get carried away sometimes. After spending 10 years of my life in misery thinking I had to work to keep my salvation. Something that I was being taught in the Pent/Charismatic movement. False teaching and false doctrine does get me worked up a little to say the least.

Doris,
I think you will be enlightened on the dangers of preaching the prosperity gospel when you visit this link, http://bible.org/article/bankruptcy-prosperity-gospel-exercise-biblical-and-theological-ethics
Here is a sample….
A suitable verse for this study [on the prosperity gospel] is 3 John 2.34 In this verse, the Apostle John wrote, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”35 This verse is interpreted by prosperity teachers to mean that God wants all believers to “prosper in all things.” Furthermore, their interpretation of this verse makes clear their claim that material prosperity is inseparably linked to spiritual growth. Oral Roberts, regarded by many to be the father of the prosperity gospel movement, claimed at the beginning of his ministry, during a time of search for direction, that God miraculously led him to 3 John 2, which he understood as a revelation of the prosperity gospel.

Another faith teacher who has built his ministry around this faulty interpretation of 3 John 2 is Kenneth Copeland. Author Kenneth Kantzer noted that “Copeland misinterprets this [verse] as a universal promise,”37 and writer Bruce Barron remarked that “the Copelands use these words so often that they appear to be the key verse of their ministry.”38 A careful study of 3 John 2, however, reveals that this verse is not a carte blanche approval of prosperity gospel teachings.

Those who use 3 John 2 to support the prosperity gospel are committing two crucial errors, the first contextual and the second grammatical. First, con-textually, one is wise to note that John’s purpose in writing 3 John 2 was not to teach doctrine; it was simply to open his letter with a greeting. This is not to say that doctrine cannot be derived from a nondoctrinal passage, for all Scripture is profitable for doctrine, but it is to say that one must be sensitive to the original author’s intent. Therefore, the claim that 3 John 2 teaches the doctrine of prosperity ought to be regarded as suspect at best. Second, one is wise to note the meaning of the word “prosperity” as it occurs in this verse. The term translated “prosperity” is a form of the Greek word eujodovw. This word, which is used only four times in Scripture, does not mean to prosper in the sense of “gaining material possessions,” but rather means “to grant a prosperous expedition and expeditious journey,” or “to lead by a direct and easy way.”39 The wording of modern translations such as the New International Version even reflect this nuance of the word.40 Therefore it is evident that teachers who understand 3 John 2 to teach prosperity theology are misinterpreting the text.’

James, Lyn, Bud, Terry, Shane, and those of you who didn’t leave a name on your comments. You guys have amazed me by your willingness to help me, taking the time to leave links, etc. I’ll admit I felt I was being attacked in the beginning, but I believe God led me into holding on and keep posting because you guys have really opened my eyes to things I’d never considered. Like one of you said, “Billy Graham…who would question spiritual royalty?” I am stunned, but more than that I’m deeply disapponted. I guess all the guys I considered to be spiritual heros have feet made of clay after all. Bud, I don’t have time to go to all the links you sent me (it’s Christmas Eve) but I will….because all of this has really gotten my attention. I think you know that I really do love God and I do want to know the truth. I’m sorry if I sounded like a shrew, spouting off this self righteous bit, but I’ve encounted so many who have made me feel they were self righteous….telling me they belonged to the true church (Roman Catholic) that I’ve always been on guard. Okay, Shane, I’m familiar with Jesse Duplantis because I’m from Louisiana, and he’s known as the Christian Comedian around these parts. What’s the deal with him? How much longer will we be able to have these discussions? Is there a cut off point at any time? Because I really need to keep abreast of all this information. Again, thank you…and God bless you all. Have a most blessed Christmas.

Doris, I just praise God He is drawing you away from deception and to His truth. May He continue to open your eyes and and reveal His truth to you. We all must remember we follow Christ alone, not any mortal man. It is easy to want to defend those we feel are ‘godly’, BUT, we must always examine their fruit. Sometimes this may be painful, but in the end, we will be blessed if we keep our eyes solely on Jesus.
May He bless you with wisdom and insight Doris

Marcus,
are you giving credit and praise due God to Billy Graham? Mr. Graham is/was a mere instrument used by God, all for God’s glory. I am not saying Billy Graham is a man of God, his claims that all roads lead to Christ is a universal one; this claim is in direct contrast to what God’s word teaches. Mr. Graham is in dire need of prayer.
You may want to check this out, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3odPpDTRjOc

Speaking of Billy Graham, I shook his hand after a crusade in Gainesville, Florida many years ago. Over the years, my family and I admired Billy for many reasons, but mainly for his powerful, gospel-filled sermons.

When Billy strayed off-course, I was faced with a choice: defend him and make excuses, or stand strong for the Lord and the truth of His written word.

I chose to stand strong for the Lord and His word, because I love the Lord more than Billy Graham.

And the question that every Charismatic/Pentecostal needs to ask is: Who do I love more, Oral Roberts, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, or Jesus Christ?

In addition to my above post (December 25, 2009 at 2:51 pm), when I began to hear about some of the things Billy Graham was saying, I wrote them off as “rumors,” and considered those speaking out against Billy as legalists and trouble-makers.

Much like a Charismatic defending Benny Hinn, I was almost caught-up in the “stop attacking a man of God” routine–until, that is, I took a serious, objective look at the accusations. I listened carefully to what Billy Graham had said, then compared his words with God’s written word.

Thus, after spending years watching and listening to Billy Graham, I was shocked to hear him play nicer than God and deny the very words of Jesus Christ.

Of Himself, Jesus clearly said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus’ exclusivity cancels out men and women who claim to be “god,” and everything else formed to be worshipped as “god”. A person’s eternal welfare is based on his or her position on Jesus Christ–no one else!

Jesus Christ founded Christianity. Christianity is not a religion, but a loving, trusting relationship with the risen Savior. Biblical Christianity is exclusive to all of the world religions, beliefs, and practices. There is but One God, Who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Everything else is a man-made counterfeit and a tremendous waste of time. No one, I repeat, NO ONE will spend eternity with God in heaven unless they have been born again.

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

To deny that Jesus is the only way is to deny His words. To deny Jesus’ words is to deny everything about Him (see 2 Thessalonians chapter 2).

“For whoever is ashamed of ME AND MY WORDS, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26, emp. added).

“If we endure, we will also reign with Him; IF WE DENY HIM, HE WILL DENY US; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:12-13, emp. added).

For all those struggling with deception in the church: Take any Word of Faith pastor’s name and put into google like this: Oral Roberts nonsense….. or Oral Roberts deception….or Oral Roberts false prophet…. and you will come up with hundreds of links that will decipher their false belief systems and heresy in light of the truth of the Gospel. By the way, John MacArthur is one of the most knowledgeble, godly, intelligent Christian ministers in the Christian mainstream media today. I love it when Larry King has him on his show on CNN as one of his featured guests, to refute those not associated with, shall we say, main stream theology.So here are a few to start you off

A few other tips: Don’t listen to anyone who has wasted 2 years of their lives at Rhema Bible Training Center. Their heads are filled with very little correct Bible knowledge . And be very careful when correcting someone involved deeply in the heatlh and prosperity ministry. When you upset a persons belief system, their initial tendancy is to become angry and frustrated with you. Remember, as St Augustine wrote: “In essentials, unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things charity.”

Those of you who criticize great men of God and all the others mentioned above, especially our dearly departed oral Roberts are on the wrong side of the Lord and may just hit His anger button. I wouldn’t want to be in any one of your shows and face God Almighty…To call a man of another religion a heretic or to criticise him in any way is simply a BIG sin

Richard,
Can you give biblical support for this claim, ‘To call a man of another religion a heretic or to criticise him in any way is simply a BIG sin’. Since when is it a big sin to expose false teachers, prophets, etc? The Lord Jesus warned of such repeatedly. If what a man preaches/teaches/prophesies does NOT line up word for word with God’s word, that man is a false teacher.
As for all you mentioned contributing to God’s plan, you are correct. They’ve all populated the broad road to hell, which is indeed part of God’s plan. Those who reject truth are deluded by these wolves and led astray by their teachings…may God be merciful.
The fear of hitting God’s ‘anger button’ should be felt by these wolves, unfortunately, they fear not. They keep on fleecing folks with their sensual, seed sowing,promises of health/wealth false gospel that makesTHEM wealthy as they fulfill their own sensual lusts and desires. There is no point in giving examples of error spewed out by any of the wolves you mentioned, for you obviously didn’t believe or read the original post. I would urge you to open God’s word and cry out to Him for truth, based on what His word actually says, not on what some huckster who desires only to empty your wallet says.

Richard,
I didn’t know these discussions were still taking place. I was fit to be tied that someone would dare to speak negative of Billy Graham, whom in my eyes was spiritual royalty, but my eyes were opened and I began praying for Billy Graham. (Chystal, please post that link again.) My Bible tells me that NO ONE comes to the Father (to Heaven) except through Jesus Christ. And I simply don’t believe there is another way…Billy Graham says there is. I was just like you…if you’ll go back to the beginning of this discussion. But I heard from his own lips what he believes. I still love him…love him enough to pray for him. I’d advise you to check out all the links I checked out…you’ll learn something.. And I’d like to know what you meant by a big sin. Are you Catholic? Because I know the Catholic Church teaches there are two levels of sin. I have never found this in the Bible! I don’t mean to burst your bubble or to hurt you in any way, but you need to research some of what you’ve been taught or believe. Jesus loves you and He paid a great price for your soul. Please be careful. I say what I’ve said out of love and concern.

Hi Chrystal,
I am blessed, praise God. I’m doing just fine. Thank you for reposting this link where it will be right in reach. Thanks for all your help. I’ve been reading my Bible and doing a lot of resarch. I’m amazed by all I’ve learned…it’s caused me to be very wary.. God bless you…keep praying for me, honey.

when fathers in ministry are being trated like this,i wonder what will happen to this generation.
No single generation can do it all.we all have a quota to add to the poll of God’s move in our generation.Its danger to conclude on a man of God if you are even aware of his weakness.Anonting is difficult to be joked with.

If leadership is influence,Oral Robert has affected lifes positively and globally.Im one of them.

Note:

Rewards system in heaven is a mystery.Many will be dazed.

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Hebrews 1:1-2

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.